Simon Rowland

Simon specialises in Planning and Highways Law within Wollens’ Regulatory Team, supporting local authorities and developers on complex planning and highways matters. Their recent work has focused on drafting, negotiating, and completing legal agreements such as s106, s38, and s278 for major housing and industrial developments. They regularly advise planning and highways officers and collaborate with organisations like the Land Registry, Local Land Charges, and Internal Drainage Boards to ensure projects progress smoothly. Prior to joining Wollens, Simon worked at Pathfinder Legal Services, a public-sector owned law firm serving over 100 organisations. There, they were part of a busy Planning & Highways team, handling modification orders, enforcement actions, dispute resolution, closures and diversions, and all types of highway agreements. This role required a strong understanding of both legal and practical aspects of planning and highways, and they thrived in a collaborative, multi-agency environment. Earlier in their career, Simon spent three years as a Legal Assistant in a civil liberties department, supporting partners and fee-earners with legal research, drafting, court filings, and client communications. This experience strengthened their procedural discipline and ability to manage complex caseloads. Simon's foundation in planning was built at Surrey County Council, where they started as a Planning Technical Support Officer and later became a Planning Regulation 3 Monitoring Officer. They were responsible for monitoring planning applications, ensuring compliance, negotiating remedies for breaches, and producing reports for senior council members. They also played a key role in modernising departmental systems and improving information governance. Simon is currently in the latter stages of CILEX Level 6 studies, working towards qualification as a Chartered Legal Executive. As an Associate Member of CILEX, they are committed to ongoing professional development and excellence in legal practice. In their current role, they work as a paralegal, managing their own caseload and seeking support from colleagues on complex matters.